Why West Ham United are keen on Championship-leading Matt Targett transfer
West Ham United have their sights set on ex-Newcastle United defender Matt Targett.
The Hammers are yet to make their first transfer breakthrough of the summer window, with Nuno Espirito Santo pushing for new signings.
Nuno's squad needs new faces across the pitch, but with 65 goals conceded in the Premier League last season, improving in defence will be a top priority.
Left-back is a position that West Ham are known to be targeting, with Sheffield United star Harrison Burrows strongly linked with a switch to the London Stadium.
El Hadji Malick Diouf's future remains up in the air, with the 21-year-old being touted for a move away this summer.
And now a new name in Targett has been connected with West Ham as his potential replacement, a proven Championship performer.
Who West Ham are competing with for Matt Targett
With no new signings through the door yet, it remains to be seen what West Ham's recruitment strategy is this summer.
Will Hammers chiefs target more experienced veterans, or might the focus be on signing high potential youngsters?
A fresh report from Football League World suggests it may be the former of those two, however.
Indeed, they claim that West Ham are in the running to sign free agent left-back Targett this summer, after he was recently released by Newcastle.
The Irons don't have a clear run at this signature though, with it also said that their new Championship rivals Norwich City are eyeing up a potential swoop.
Targett spent the 2025-26 season on loan with Middlesbrough, and the 30-year-old presented plenty of evidence as to why he would be an excellent signing for West Ham.
Targett's 2025-26 season by the numbers for Middlesbrough
During his time with Newcastle over the last few years, Targett has dealt with numerous injury problems that have limited his impact for the Magpies.
However, he was able to stay fit for the vast majority of last term, and Middlesbrough benefitted significantly from that.
He turned out 46 times for Boro in all competitions in 2025-26, scoring four goals and providing a further four assists respectively.
As per FotMob, no Championship left-back registered more shots on target (14) or completed more successful passes (1,840) than Targett did last term.
On top of that, he also created 65 chances, delivered 44 successful crosses, enjoyed a 60 per cent dribble success rate and played 107 accurate long balls.
In the defensive side of his game, the former Southampton academy graduate made 54 tackles, 49 interceptions, 172 recoveries and won 35 aerial duels.
So, for a player who wouldn't cost anything to bring to the London Stadium, Targett's 2025-26 form suggests he would be a very shrewd acquisition by West Ham if they firm up their interest soon.